WYOMING

Hunting Guide
Information on big game, trophy game, game birds, small game and trapping in Wyoming.

2011

This guide will answer most general questions about hunting in Wyoming. More detailed
information can be obtained from the specific regulations, references and agencies listed within.
 A Message
from the
Director

W
yoming continues to be a premier destination for thousands of the nation’s hunters. And considering the opportunities
available, it’s no wonder. This guide will answer the most common questions hunters have when applying for a license
or hunting in Wyoming. I cannot emphasize enough the obligation hunters have in learning the laws and regulations
governing hunting in Wyoming. This guide will assist, but may not answer every question for every person. Our
telephone information center (307) 777-4600, our website http://gf.state.wy.us and the regulations given to each hunter obtaining
a license can help with any questions not answered here.

The mission of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department – Conserving Wildlife, Serving People – summarizes in a few words the
thousands of words in state law directing the department to manage wildlife in a way that conserves our wildlife for the future and
benefits people today.

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, developed over the past 150 years, provides the link between what we as
citizens interested in wildlife conservation do today and what the founders of the conservation movement started so long ago. This
model is the single best effort to manage wildlife in perpetuity the world has ever seen. The seven pillars of the model: managing
wildlife in the public trust; eliminating commerce in dead wildlife; allocating wildlife use through law; providing equal hunting
opportunities for all; harvesting wildlife only for legitimate reasons; recognizing wildlife as an international resource; and using
science as the basis for wildlife policy, to this day, direct the actions of wildlife agencies and private citizens interested in wildlife
conservation in the United States and Canada.

In 1937 the Wyoming Legislature gave control of the Game and Fish budget to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. Since
that time it has been the hunter and the angler who, through their license dollars and taxes paid on hunting and angling equipment,
have funded conservation in our state. While these contributions by hunters and anglers to wildlife conservation have been legendary
in their importance, there is another valuable means that sportspersons can contribute to the perpetuation of hunting and fishing.
Access to hunting and fishing opportunities is often cited nationally by sportspersons as a growing barrier to their continued
participation. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s AccessYes program works with private landowners to obtain access for
hunting and angling. Every dollar donated to this program goes to paying for access only. For every dollar donated, about four acres
of access is obtained. Please consider donating to this program that directly benefits you through increased hunting and angling
access in Wyoming.

Enjoy this guide and I wish you good luck and good hunting!

Steve K. Ferrell, Director

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

2
 Table of Contents
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Contact Information 4
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Hunting 5
Access 5
Hunting Applications 7
Application Dates 7
Party Applications 8
Draw Odds 8
Special License 8
Preference Points 8
License Types for Big Game 9
Antlerless Animals 9
Age 9
Hunter Safety 10
Firearms/Archery 10
Special Weapons Seasons 11
Other Permits or Stamps 11
Hunter Orange 12
Outfitters 12
Check Stations 12
Chronic Wasting Disease 13
Use of Vehicles to Hunt 13

Big Game Hunting 14
Bison 14
Elk 15
Deer 19
Antelope 23
Bighorn Sheep 27
Moose 28
Mountain Goat 29

Trophy Game 30

Upland and Migratory Game Bird,

Small Game and Trapping 31

Reference Information 36

© 2011 Wyoming Game & Fish Department. Design/editing - Jaimel Idler.

Cover photo by Mark Gocke. All other photographs by Mark Gocke, LuRay Parker & WGFD Staff.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 3
 Wyoming Game and
Fish Department (WGFD)
Contact Information
WGFD Website – http://gf.state.wy.us
Telephone Information Center (307) 777-4600
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) (307) 777-4647
Cheyenne Headquarters Lander Regional Office
5400 Bishop Boulevard 260 Buena Vista
Cheyenne, WY 82006 Lander, WY 82520
(307) 777-4600 (307) 332-2688

Laramie Regional Office Green River Regional Office

528 South Adams Street 351 Astle
Laramie, WY 82070 Green River, WY 82935
(307) 745-4046 (307) 875-3223

Casper Regional Office Sheridan Regional Office

3030 Energy Lane, Suite 100 700 Valley View Drive
Casper, WY 82604 Sheridan, WY 82801
(307) 473-3400 (307) 672-7418

Jackson Regional Office Pinedale Regional Office

P.O. Box 67 P.O. Box 850
420 North Cache 432 E. Mill Street
Jackson, WY 83001 Pinedale, WY 82941
(307) 733-2321 (307) 367-4353
Cody Regional Office
2820 State Highway 120
Cody, WY 82414
(307) 527-7125

4

1 HUNTING: What can I hunt or
trap in Wyoming?
B ig Game: Hunters can pursue antelope, mule
deer, white-tailed deer, elk, Shiras moose, Rocky
Mountain bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain
goat. While not classified as big game, wild bison as
described by Wyoming statute can also be hunted.
F urbearers: Badger, beaver, bobcat, marten, mink,
muskrat and weasel are classified as furbearers.
A furbearer trapping license is required to take these
species. They may be taken by trapping or with
firearm or archery equipment. Trapping licenses will
be issued to a nonresident only if their home state
allows Wyoming residents to trap the same species.
Nonresident trapping licenses are only available
through the Cheyenne office.
G ame Birds/Small Game: Bird hunters will find
four species of grouse: greater sage grouse, sharp-
tailed grouse, ruffed grouse and blue grouse. The
state also has chukar and Hungarian (gray) partridge
and ring-necked pheasants, as well as Merriam’s, Rio
Grande and hybrid wild turkeys. Small game includes
cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares and red and fox
squirrels.
P redatory Animals: In Wyoming, several species
are legally classified as predatory animals. These
are coyote, red fox, raccoon, porcupine, skunk,
jackrabbit and stray domestic cat. These species may
be hunted or trapped without a license and there is no
closed season.
T rophy Game: Hunters can pursue two trophy
game species in Wyoming: black bear and
mountain lion. Through 2010 there were no no open
seasons for wolves or grizzly bears in Wyoming, as
they are federally protected.
M igratory Game Bird Seasons: Waterfowl (ducks
and geese) are found throughout the state in
appropriate habitat. Two flyways, the Central and
Pacific, bisect Wyoming, each with separate seasons
and bag limits. Snipe and rail are only occasionally
hunted in Wyoming. There are also seasons for
sandhill cranes and mourning doves.
N ongame Wildlife: The level of protection
afforded nongame wildlife varies by species in
FAQ’s
Wyoming. There is a crow season in Wyoming and
no license or stamp is required. More information can
be obtained from the Nongame Wildlife Regulation
(Chapter 52) found on the WGFD website at http://
gf.state.wy.us/admin/Regs/index.asp
P rotected Species: In Wyoming, black-footed
ferret, fisher, lynx, otter, pika and wolverine are
legally classified as protected animals. All nongame
birds - except predacious birds as defined by Wyoming
statute and exotic species such as English sparrows,
starlings, domestic pigeons and Eurasian collared
doves - are also protected. Protected species may not
be taken except as provided under state and federal
law.
2
ACCESS: What is access for
hunting like in Wyoming and
where do I get maps?
P ublic Lands: Approximately 50 percent of
Wyoming is public land, most of which is
managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau
of Land Management (BLM). Legally accessible public
lands are open to public hunting unless posted by the
land management agency or as specified by WGFD
regulations. No special permits or fees are required to
hunt USFS or BLM lands. It is typically more difficult
to draw a limited quota license in an area that contains
significant public land. To legally hunt public lands,
there must be public access to them via a public road.
There are some public land parcels that have no public
access. To hunt these public lands, a hunter must
obtain permission from the owner of the adjacent
private land, even if there is only a small distance of
private land between a public road and public lands.
S tate Trust Lands: State, or “school” lands, were
originally granted to the states in order to provide
a perpetual source of revenue for the public school
systems. These are not multiple use public lands in
the same sense as BLM and USFS lands. State lands
are leased to a private party for grazing or other uses,
but are generally open for day hunting if there is legal
public access. However, those state lands used to grow
crops are open to hunting with the lessee’s permission.
Vehicle travel is limited to established roads. Camping
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 5
 and open fires are prohibited. Information on public
use rules for state lands can be found on the Office
FAQ’s
of State Lands and Investments website at http://slf-
web.state.wy.us. State lands enrolled in the WGFD
AccessYes program have specific restrictions, See the
WGFD website at http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/access/
index.asp for more information.
W yoming Game and Fish Commission Land:
The commission manages habitat and access
areas throughout the state. Commission managed lands
allow public access for hunting, fishing or both. See the
WGFD website at http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/access/
gf/index.asp for further information, including any
seasonal closure dates, on these lands.
W yoming Game and Fish Department AccessYes
Program:The WGFD has acquired hunting and
fishing access to more than one million acres of private
land through the AccessYes program. This program
includes walk-in areas and hunter management areas.
More information can be found on the WGFD website
http://gf.state.wy.us/plpwhmprogram/default.aspx or
by calling (307) 777-4600.
U .S. Fish & Wildlife Service Refuges: Three federal
wildlife refuges in Wyoming currently allow
hunting and fishing: Seedskadee National Wildlife
Refuge (NWR), Pathfinder NWR and the National
Elk Refuge. The Laramie Plains refuges (Mortenson
Lake NWR, Bamforth NWR and Hutton Lake NWR)
and Cokeville Meadows NWR are closed to public
hunting. The National Elk Refuge is open to elk and
bison hunting and fishing only. A special refuge permit
is required along with the appropriate state license and
permit. On refuges that allow hunting for waterfowl,
upland game birds and small game, non-toxic shot must
be used. For more information on national wildlife
refuges see the U.S. Fish & Wild Service’s website at:
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/.
N ational Parks and National Recreation Areas:
As a rule, national parks are closed to hunting. The
sole exception is the elk hunt in Grand Teton National
Park. A National Park Service special permit and the
appropriate state hunting license are required. Flaming
Gorge National Recreation Area, Bighorn Canyon
National Recreation Area and the John D. Rockefeller
Memorial Parkway are open to public hunting during
established hunting seasons and in accordance with
state hunting regulations. Devil’s Tower and Fossil
Butte national monuments are closed to hunting.
6 Frequently Asked Questions
P rivate Lands: Access to private land is controlled
by the landowner. Wyoming law does not
require private landowners to post their land. It is the
responsibility of the hunter to know whether he or
she is on public or private land. If you are considering
hunting private lands, you should line up access prior
to applying. One way to find landowner contacts is
through the referral of another hunter. Some chambers
of commerce may be able to assist. It is likely most
landowners have enough hunters for the opening
week of the season. Being flexible on the dates you
can hunt may enhance your chances of gaining access.
Landowners might charge a fee for access. The fee and
terms will vary by property.
M aps, BLM: The Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) sells 1:100,000 scale land status maps
that are color-coded showing land ownership. These
maps also show topographic features, roads and trails.
Maps are available from the BLM on the web at http://
plicmapcenter.org/WY/, at BLM offices in the state or
by calling (307) 775-6256.
M aps, USFS: U.S. Forest Service (USFS) maps
are available to those planning to hunt on USFS
lands. For the Big Horn, Medicine Bow, Shoshone and
Black Hills national forests and Thunder Basin National
Grassland, go to www.fs.fed.us/r2/ for information on
ordering maps. For the Teton, Bridger, Wasatch and
Targhee national parks, call (801) 625-5306. Although
BLM maps also cover national forest lands, USFS maps
typically have more current information on forest road
designations and roads open and closed to public travel.
M aps, USGS: The United States Geological Survey
(USGS) provides a variety of mapping tools at
a much finer scale than either BLM or USFS maps.
The 1:24,000 scale topographic maps are particularly
useful for navigation in remote country and for
reconnaissance purposes. USGS TOPO maps can be
purchased from the USGS website: http://topomaps.
usgs.gov/. TOPO maps can also be purchased from the
Wyoming State Geological Survey on the University
of Wyoming campus or at the website http://www.
wsgs.uwyo.edu/sales/. Local retailers may have limited
supplies of maps covering nearby areas.
M aps, Other: GeoCommunicator is the
publication site for the BLM’s National
Integrated Land System. The site allows for searching,
accessing, and dynamic mapping of data for federal
land stewardship, land and mineral use records, mining
claims, and the public land survey system. Interactive
maps of lands and resources managed by federal
agencies are available online. For land status maps
with a navigation coordinate reader, click on “federal
lands” and “map viewer” in the left-hand column of
the GeoCommunicator page. Geocommunicator can
be accessed at http://www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/
fedland/home/index.shtm
3 HUNTING APPLICATIONS:
How do I obtain an application
packet for Wyoming?
R esident and nonresident hunting information and
application booklets contain application forms
and information about planning a hunt in Wyoming.
They are available by calling (307) 777-4600, at WGFD
offices or by accessing the WGFD website http://
gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/hunting/index.asp. Resident
packets are also available at Wyoming license agents.
4 APPLICATION DATES:When can
I apply for a license in Wyoming?
A ll applications, whether hand-delivered, mailed
or submitted online, must arrive in the Cheyenne
office by 5 p.m. mountain standard time (MST) on the
deadline date. If the deadline is on a weekend or state
holiday, applications received by 5 p.m. MST on the
next business day will be accepted. Fees must be paid
in full when the application is submitted. Unsuccessful
applicants will be refunded their license fees minus the
application fee.
L icenses remaining after the license draw will be
sold to residents and nonresidents on a first-come,
FAQ’s
first-served basis at any automated license-selling
agent location, all WGFD offices and online. Check
the WGFD website at http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/
hunting/index.asp for additional details and dates.
T hose who cannot be physically present at a license-
selling agent or do not have access to the Internet
have a couple of options. For nonresident applicants,
a friend or relative can either bring in your completed
application or simply bring all the information necessary
to apply (sportsman’s ID number if any, physical and
mailing address, physical description, date of birth). In
either case the person delivering the applications will
need to pay for the license. A nonresident may also
contact license agents willing to accept applications
and credit card numbers over the phone or via fax.
Arrangements made in this manner are strictly private
and are between the applicant and license-selling agent.
Applications may also be mailed to the Cheyenne office
with a cashiers check or money order.
F or resident applicants, a resident can carry another
resident’s completed and signed application to
any WGFD office. The resident applicant can pay
via personal check presented with the application or
have the resident person carrying their application
pay via personal check or credit card. For residents
and nonresidents both, a person can only present a
maximum of six applications, including his own.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 7
 5 PARTY APPLICATIONS:
My friends and I want to 8 PREFERENCE POINTS: What
are preference points and how do
FAQ’s

hunt together. How do we apply I obtain points in Wyoming?

together?

F or elk, deer and antelope, up to six hunters can

apply together as a party. To apply as a party, all
members of the group must apply for exactly the same
species, hunt area and license types in the same order of
preference. A party application ensures that either all
or none of the party will be successful in the drawing.
Nonresidents and residents may not apply in the same
party.
T he Wyoming Legislature enacted a preference
point system for moose and bighorn sheep licenses
beginning in 1995, and for nonresident deer, elk and
antelope beginning in 2006.
E ach time the individual applies for a bighorn sheep
or moose license and fails to draw, that individual
accumulates one preference point. Seventy-five percent
of the available license quota is allocated to applicants
with the highest preference point totals. Eventually,

6 DRAW ODDS: What are the
odds of drawing a license in
Wyoming?
O dds vary greatly from area to area and by license
type. Information on the previous year’s drawing
odds provides a good indication of demand and can
be accessed on the WGFD website http://gf.state.
wy.us/wildlife/hunting/stats/demandpdf/index.asp.
In general, areas with large amounts of public land
are more difficult to draw than areas where access is
predominantly private.
those with the highest preference point totals receive
a license and lose their preference points, enabling
those with fewer preference points to draw. This
system ensures everyone will eventually draw a license
if they continue to apply over a long enough period of
time. The length of time depends on the demand for a
particular license. High demand licenses may require a
lot of preference points to draw, whereas some licenses,
cow moose as an example, require fewer preference
points. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the available
license quota is allocated to a random draw, in which
everyone participates on an equal basis regardless of the
number of preference points they have.

A pplying for the “special” license (see below) does

not necessarily increase your odds of drawing a
license. Check the drawing odds for both special and
regular priced licenses before applying.
T he preference point system for nonresident elk, deer
and antelope works in much the same way, except
nonresidents who wish to accumulate a preference
point are required to include a preference point fee

T he odds of drawing a license do not vary between
individual applications and party applications. A
party application is processed as a single application
rather than several individual applications. When
an application is received, it is assigned one random
number that goes into the computer drawing. If that
number is drawn, the individual applicant or the entire
party draws a license.
with their license application fee. Nonresidents can
opt out of the preference point draw by not including
the additional fee with their elk, deer or antelope
application. During the elk, deer and antelope draw
preference points are only applied to an applicant’s first
choice. If an applicant does not draw their first choice
but draws a second or third choice, they are still eligible
to purchase a preference point for the current year.

7 SPECIAL LICENSE: What is a

“Special” License?
P reference points can also be purchased without
participating in the license draw. Applications must
be submitted between July 1 and September 30, either
online or by mailed application. The form is available
A nother way nonresidents may increase their drawing
odds for elk, deer and antelope is by participating
in the special license draw. Wyoming law sets aside 40
after June 15 on the WGFD website http://gf.state.
wy.us/wildlife/hunting/index.asp.
percent of the nonresident license quota in a separate
drawing pool for applicants who pay a higher license
fee. This higher fee may produce more favorable odds
of drawing because fewer people usually apply for this
draw. However, applying for a “special” license does
not necessarily increase your odds of drawing. Check
the drawing odds before applying.

8 Frequently Asked Questions

 9. LICENSE TYPES FOR BIG GAME – What do the different license types mean?
B eginning in January 2008, big game licenses with specific age, sex or species limitations were standardized throughout

FAQ’s
the state as shown in the following table. Resident big game hunters also have the option of purchasing general deer
and elk licenses that are unlimited in number and valid in any hunt area with a general hunting season. General elk
licenses and region general deer licenses are available to nonresidents, but are limited by quotas.

N o person may apply for and receive more than one full price big game license per year for each species, except a
second license valid for any white-tailed deer and a second license valid for any antelope may be obtained in selected
hunt areas after all drawings have been held. The number of reduced price (Type 6, 7, 8) licenses a person may obtain
varies depending on species and hunt area, but no more than one cow/calf elk and two doe/fawn deer and doe/fawn
antelope licenses can be obtained through the draw. A special early archery season is offered in most hunt areas and
requires a special archery license in addition to the regular hunting license.

10 ANTLERLESS ANIMALS:
How do I apply for doe/fawn
antelope, doe/fawn deer or cow/calf
fawn, cow/calf withdrawal boxes on the application.
This will ensure if the full price license is not drawn, the
hunter will not be entered in the drawing for reduced
price licenses. License fees minus the application fee
elk licenses? are refunded for all licenses not issued.

L icenses valid for doe/fawn deer or antelope and cow/

calf elk are available for a reduced price in many hunt
areas. These licenses are issued to encourage harvest
of female big game animals, which is vital in keeping
populations in balance with their habitat. The WGFD
also issues “antlerless” elk licenses at full price in several
hunt areas. The terms “doe/fawn” and “cow/calf ” are
used to distinguish licenses sold at a reduced price and
can be obtained in addition to a full price license. Hunt
areas offering doe/fawn and cow/calf licenses are listed
in the application booklet. These licenses are always
designated as Type 6, 7 or 8. Keep in mind the number
o f these licenses varies from year to year
depending on the need for
antlerless harvest.
R educed price licenses are
available through the
initial license draw. During the
initial draw, a hunter can apply
for one cow/calf elk license, up
to two doe/fawn deer and up to
two doe/fawn antelope licenses.
Hunters who wish to receive a
reduced price license only if they draw
their full price license may check the doe/
M any areas do not sell out during the license draw.
Unsold licenses will be available at automated
agent locations and the WGFD website on a first-
come, first-served basis. Some hunt areas allow a person
to purchase up to four reduced price doe/fawn antelope
or deer licenses, only two of which can be obtained
through the draw with the rest purchased from
automated license agents or the WGFD website after
the license draw is completed. For more information
on purchasing leftover licenses, including the dates
these licenses will be available, see the WGFD website
at http://gf.state.wy.us/.
11 AGE: How old must I be to
apply for a license and hunt in
Wyoming?
B ig Game: The minimum age for hunting big game
is 12. An applicant may be 11 years of age when
applying as long as he or she will be 12 when hunting.
While hunting big game, anyone under 14 must be
accompanied by an adult who has either passed a
hunter safety course or held a big game hunting license
within the past five years.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 9
 B ig Game Youth Licenses: Youth licenses are
available to hunters under 18 for a lower price. A
person who will reach the age of 18 before or during
FAQ’s
the hunting season may still apply for a youth license,
provided that person is under 18 when applying.
B ison Priority List: Hunters must be 14 prior
to September 15 in order to apply for the bison
priority list.
G ame Birds and Small Game: There is no minimum
age for hunting game birds and small game. For
game birds other than wild turkeys, resident youth
under 14 do not need a license if accompanied by an
adult. For unlicensed nonresident youth, an adult must
possess a valid game bird license and harvest taken by
the youth applies to the adult’s bag and possession
limit. If a nonresident youth purchases his or her own
license, they must still be under adult supervision,
but they have their own bag and possession limit as
established by regulation. Turkey hunters under 14
years of age may take a wild turkey with the proper
license if accompanied by an adult.
Y outh under 14 do not need a license to hunt
small game. A licensed adult at least 18 years old
must accompany any
unlicensed nonresident
youth while hunting
and harvest taken by
the youth applies to
the adult’s bag limit.
If a nonresident youth
purchases his or her
own license there is no
requirement for adult
supervision and the bag
limit is that established
by regulation.
12 HUNTER SAFETY: Do I need a
hunter safety card?
H unters born on or after January 1, 1966 must
possess and be able to show a hunter safety card
or certificate while in the field. Hunter safety courses
taken in other states are acceptable. In addition, all
hunters regardless of age must possess proof of hunter
safety when hunting elk in areas 75, 77 and 79.
W yoming’s Hunter Mentor Program allows any
person who has not yet received hunter education
certification to apply for special authorization to hunt
while being accompanied by a mentor. Participation in
the program is free. The mentor must be at least 18 years
of age, possess a valid hunter safety card or certificate
and be able to produce it while in the field, possess
a valid Wyoming hunting license, sign the mentee’s
10 Frequently Asked Questions
special authorization
certificate, supervise
only one mentee at
a time and be in
direct supervision
within sight and
direct voice contact
of the mentee at all
times while in the field. To sign up for
this program go to the WGFD website, http://gf.state.
wy.us/huntermentor/application/frmMainPage.aspx.
13
FIREARMS/ARCHERY:
What is legal for hunting in
Wyoming?
F irearms and Handguns: For big game, Wyoming
statutes authorize the use of a firearm with a barrel
bore diameter of at least .23 caliber that is chambered
to fire a center-fire cartridge of not less than two inches
in overall length and includes a soft or expanding point
bullet seated to a normal depth. Common .22 caliber
center-fire calibers such as .222 Rem., .223, .22-250,
etc. are not legal for big or trophy game hunting.
Cartridges that may not meet the two-inch criteria
are legal if they are at least .35 caliber and develop at
least 500 foot pounds of energy at 100 yards. Wild
bison can be taken with a firearm that has a barrel bore
diameter of at least .27 caliber and is chambered to
fire a center-fire cartridge not less than two inches in
overall length. The cartridge shall have a minimum of
a 150-grain bullet.
M igratory game birds and upland game birds,
except blue and ruffed grouse, may be taken with
a shotgun 10 gauge or smaller plugged to admit no
more than one (1) shell in the chamber and two (2)
shells in the magazine. Hunters shall only have nontoxic
shot in their possession while hunting cranes, ducks,
geese, mergansers or coots. Only nontoxic shot shall
be used to hunt any game with a shotgun on all lands
in the Springer and Table Mountain wildlife habitat
management areas and on all national wildlife refuges
open for hunting. For wild turkeys, firearms using
center-fire cartridges, muzzleloading arms or firearms
of .22 magnum caliber (22/100 of an inch) and archery
equipment may be used. Small game, blue grouse and
ruffed grouse may be taken with any weapon.
M uzzleloading Rifles and Specialty Single Shot
Handguns: For big game, these rifles must be at
least .40 caliber with a charge of at least 50 grains of
black powder or equivalent. For bison, a muzzleloader
rifle must be at least .50 caliber with a charge of at
least 100 grains of black powder or equivalent. These
weapons can be used during the regular firearms season
and muzzleloading rifle only seasons. Muzzleloading
specialty single shot handguns are also legal for big
game provided they have a barrel length of 10 inches
or more, are at least .45 caliber and propel a 240 grain
projectile with 500 foot pounds of energy at 100 yards.
Inline muzzleloaders and muzzleloaders with telescopic
sights are legal in Wyoming, but breech loading black
powder rifles are not legal during muzzleloading only
seasons. Muzzleloaders may be used to hunt bison,
except on the National Elk Refuge.
A rchery and Crossbows: For elk, bison or moose,
an archer must hunt with a bow of not less than
50 lbs. draw weight or possessing the ability to cast
a 500-grain arrow 160 yards. For other big or trophy
game, archers must hunt with a bow of not less than
40 lbs. draw weight or possessing the ability to cast a
400 grain arrow not less than 160 yards. Crossbows
are legal during the early archery and regular season.
Legal crossbows must be at least 90 lbs. draw weight,
have a minimum draw length of 14 inches, and shoot
a bolt of at least 16 inches long. Arrows and bolts must
be equipped with a steel broadhead with a minimum
cutting width of one inch. Archery equipment is legal
for hunting bison in Wyoming except on the National
Elk Refuge.
14 SPECIAL WEAPON SEASONS:
Are there special archery or
muzzleloader seasons in Wyoming?
Do I need a special license?
A rchery Seasons: Special archery seasons are
available prior to the regular season in nearly all
big game hunt areas. In addition to a general or limited
quota license, one must purchase an archery license
before hunting during a special archery season. Only
one archery license per year is required and it is valid
for all big and trophy game special archery seasons.
Archery licenses are available on the WGFD website at
https://gf.state.wy.us/elso/elsowelcome.aspx.
S pecial archery seasons for deer normally open
September 1, depending on the hunt area, and close
September 30. For elk, special archery seasons normally
open September 1 and close September 30 or earlier in
areas with September regular season openers. Special
archery seasons for antelope normally open August 15
or September 1 depending on the hunt area and close
when the regular season opens. Archery equipment can
be used during the regular
season, but all hunters
hunting during the regular
season must wear hunter
orange.
S ome limited quota
hunting seasons are
restricted to archery hunting only. Archers possessing
a Type 9 archery only license are not required to
purchase an archery permit. However, they can only
FAQ’s
hunt in the hunt area(s) and during the dates their
license is valid and may not hunt during a later regular
season if unsuccessful.
M uzzleloader Seasons: With few exceptions,
Wyoming does not offer separate muzzleloader
hunting seasons for big game. When applying for one
of the few muzzleloader special seasons, look for the
“Type 0” licenses for specialty weapons.
15 OTHER PERMITS OR STAMPS:
Do I need any other licenses
or stamps to hunt in Wyoming?
C onservation Stamp: All licensed hunters and
anglers, with the exception of those holding daily
game bird/small game licenses, daily fishing licenses,
any pioneer license or furbearing animal trapping
licenses are required to purchase a single conservation
stamp each calendar year. Youth hunters and anglers
under the age of 14 who do not obtain a license to
hunt small game, game birds or fish also
do not need to purchase a
conservation stamp. Revenue
from the sale of this stamp
supports the AccessYes program
and habitat work throughout
the state. Conservation stamps
are available on the WGFD
web site at https://gf.state.wy.us/
elso/elsowelcome.aspx or from license-selling agents.
E lk Feedground Special Management Permit
(Stamp): An elk feedground special management
permit is required to hunt elk in some hunt areas in
northwest Wyoming. Areas where this permit is required
are listed in the elk regulations and can be found on
the WGFD website at http://gf.state.wy.us/admin/
Regs/index.asp. Revenue from this permit helps finance
elk feedgrounds in those hunt areas. These permits
are available on the WGFD website at https://gf.state.
wy.us/elso/elsowelcome.aspx.
P heasant Special Management Permit (Stamp):
A pheasant special management permit is required
to hunt pheasants on some department wildlife
habitat management areas, some lands enrolled in
the AccessYes program and some state lands. Revenue
from this permit helps finance pheasant rearing and
stocking. Areas where this permit is required are listed
in the Upland Game Bird regulations and can be found
on the WGFD web site in the Pheasant Regulations
(Chapter 18) at http://gf.state.wy.us/admin/Regs/
index.asp. These permits are available on the WGFD
website at https://gf.state.wy.us/elso/elsowelcome.aspx.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 11
 F ederal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck
Stamp): Hunters 16 years of age and older are
a firearms season. Fluorescent orange is also required
while hunting pheasants on Wyoming Game and Fish
wildlife habitat management areas and on Bureau of
FAQ’s

required to purchase a federal migratory bird hunting

stamp to hunt ducks, geese and mergansers. This stamp
is not required to hunt sandhill cranes, mourning doves,
coots, snipe, rails or crows. It may be obtained at U.S.
Post Offices and some license agents around the state.
This stamp can also be purchased online at: http://
www.usps.com or at http://www.duckstamp.com. If
purchasing online, plan ahead as it can take several
days to receive the stamp. The receipt for purchasing
the stamp is not legal to hunt with. These stamps are
not sold at WGFD offices.
H arvest Information Program (HIP) Permit: Each
licensed hunter, including pioneers, who hunts
ducks, geese, mergansers, sandhill cranes, mourning
doves, coots, snipe and rails is required to complete a
current Wyoming validation for the National Harvest
Information Program and obtain a Wyoming HIP
permit. The HIP permit must be carried in the field
while the person is hunting migratory game birds.
HIP permits from other states are not transferable to
Wyoming. The permit is free at the WGFD website
http://gf.state.wy.us/apps/hip/index.asp, but will cost
$0.50 at license agents and Game and Fish offices.
Reclamation withdrawal lands bordering and including
Glendo State Park. Fluorescent orange is not required,
but is recommended, for other game bird and small
game hunters. Fluorescent orange is not recommended
for spring wild turkey hunting but is required when
hunting wild turkey during fall seasons if hunting big
game at the same time.
17 OUTFITTERS: Do I need an
outfitter or guide to hunt in
Wyoming?
N onresident big or trophy game hunters are
required to have a professional or resident guide
if hunting big or trophy game in federally designated
wilderness areas. Anyone can choose to hire an outfitter
while planning their hunt. If you are hiring an outfitter,
make sure they are licensed with the Wyoming Board
of Outfitters and Professional Guides.
A list of licensed outfitters and guides is available
from the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and
Professional Guides, http://outfitters.state.wy.us or by
phone at (800) 264-0981.

L ight Goose Conservation Order Special

Management Permit: A light goose special
management permit is required to participate in
the spring hunting season for light geese in eastern
Wyoming. Permits are available at the Casper, Cheyenne
and Laramie offices or on the WGFD web site at http://
gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/hunting/formsapps/GameBird/
index.asp
L andowners do not need a license from the Board
of Outfitters while guiding or outfitting on their
own land. Any resident possessing a valid big or trophy
game license may obtain a resident guide license from
the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. This license
authorizes the resident to guide up to two nonresidents
in a wilderness area per calendar year provided they do
not accept any compensation or gratuity.

G oose Special Management Stamp: A goose special

management stamp is required to participate in
the Bump-Sullivan Managed Goose Hunt when the 18 CHECK STATIONS: Do I have
to check my animal in with
hunt is in operation. Game and Fish?

16 HUNTER ORANGE: What are

the hunter orange requirements in
Wyoming?

O ne exterior fluorescent orange or camouflage

orange garment, to include a hat, shirt, jacket,
coat, vest or sweater, is required for all hunters during
big and trophy game regular seasons. Camouflage
fluorescent orange is legal. Fluorescent
orange is not required during
special archery seasons or limited
quota archery only seasons.
However, fluorescent orange
E very hunter, angler or trapper must stop at any
established check station while en route to or
from the field, even if you don’t have any wildlife in
is required when hunting your possession and even if you have been hunting in
with archery equipment during another state.

12 Frequently Asked Questions

19 CHRONIC WASTING
DISEASE: Information
road, must be outside the fenced right-of-way or the
area considered the public road before taking a shot.

FAQ’s
C hronic wasting disease (CWD) has
been found in deer, elk and moose in T he use of off-road-vehicles (ORVs) by hunters has
skyrocketed in Wyoming and elsewhere in recent
years. The WGFD receives more complaints from
Wyoming. For more information on this
wildlife disease see the WGFD website at hunters about misuse of ORVs than any other single
http://gf.state.wy.us/services/education/ issue. There are both appropriate and inappropriate
cwd/index.asp. Regulations governing uses of an ORV while hunting. First and foremost, the
carcass transportation in Wyoming can ORV operator must be familiar with travel and off-
be found at the WGFD website http:// road rules for the lands on which he or she is hunting.
gf.state.wy.us/admin/regulations/pdf/ Travel is generally restricted
Ch2.pdf. Once there, scroll down to to established roads or two-
Section 15 for more specific information. track trails on most lands
Many states also regulate the importation managed by the USFS, state
of big game meat and parts. Contact and BLM. Depending on
your state wildlife department for the location, vehicles may
information on the laws in your state. be permitted to travel short
distances off-road to retrieve

20 USE OF VEHICLES TO
HUNT: Can I use an ORV,
aircraft or other vehicle to hunt in
game when no resource
damage will result. Roads
that are posted as closed
Wyoming? to vehicle travel means they are closed to all vehicles
including ORVs. Vehicle travel on state lands and lands
W yoming law specifies it is illegal to shoot or
attempt to kill any wildlife from any public road
or highway. It is also illegal to shoot from, upon, across
managed by the WGFD is also restricted to established
and open roads only and there is no allowance to travel
off-road.
or along a public road or highway. Public road or
highway means any roadway open to vehicular travel
by the public. The road surface, the area between the
fences on a fenced public road or highway, and an area
A dditional information about ORV permitting
requirements in Wyoming and rules regarding their
use on public lands can be viewed on the Wyoming
30 feet perpendicular to the edge of the road surface on State ORV Program website at http://wyotrails.state.
an unfenced public road or highway shall be considered wy.us/Rules/ORVRulesRegs.asp or by calling (307)
the public road or highway. Two-track trails on public 777-7477.
lands are not public roads.

I t is also illegal to harass, hunt, pursue, shoot or kill

any Wyoming wildlife (except predatory animals)
from or by the use of any vehicle
or aircraft. Further, an aircraft
cannot be used to spot wildlife
or to communicate the location
of wildlife to someone on the
ground. This does not apply to
commercial, commuter or other
aircraft used for the sole purpose
of passenger transport.

W hile it is not illegal in

Wyoming to spot game
from a vehicle on the ground, the
hunter may not use the vehicle
to pursue or intercept game, or
otherwise aid in the physical act
of hunting or taking an animal.
The hunter must be completely
out of the vehicle with both feet
on the ground and, if on a public
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 13
Big Game Hunting

BISON
B ison have been hunted in Wyoming
periodically since the winter of 1988-1989.
Hunts have taken place both in the Jackson area
purchase the wild bison license at that time. See
the regulations for further details.

and west of Cody. Like all big game in Wyoming,

hunting is used as a management tool to control
bison population growth. Controlling population
growth is important to avoid permanent habitat
damage caused by an overabundance of animals.
B ison hunting in the Jackson area is currently
limited to portions of the Bridger-Teton
National Forest, the National Elk Refuge, small
parcels of state-owned land and potentially some
private lands with landowner permission. One
complication of this bison hunt is the animals

I n order to hunt bison in Wyoming, you must

apply for placement on the bison priority list.
This list ranks hunters in the order they may be
contacted when the department determines a wild
bison hunting opportunity exists. You can apply
for a male wild bison (Type 1) or a female/calf
wild bison (Type 4) license. If you are selected
to participate in a hunt, you will be required to
often roam between lands that are open to hunting
and those that are not, including National Park
Service lands. Hunters can access National Forest
Lands adjacent to Grand Teton National Park
only through public access routes. Access to the
National Elk Refuge is through a permit system
administered by the WGFD.

14 Big Game Hunting


ELK
Obtaining a License
E lk licenses are issued as either limited quota
licenses valid in specific hunt areas, or as
general licenses that can be used in any hunt area
with a general elk season. Drawing odds for limited
quota elk licenses vary markedly, with some nearly
as difficult to draw as bighorn sheep licenses.
Resident general elk licenses are unlimited and can
be purchased over-the-counter at any time through
the end of the last general elk season. Nonresident
general elk licenses are subject to a quota and
issued through the nonresident elk drawing. There
is no over-the-counter sale of general licenses to
nonresidents. Applying for a general license is a
good option for nonresidents who desire to hunt
a bull elk. General elk licenses also provide the
flexibility to hunt in more than one hunt area
during elk hunting seasons. Limited quota licenses
are issued in a drawing for both residents and
nonresidents. Licenses left over after the drawing
Big Game Hunting
Wyoming elk hunters have a wide range of
options. Elk range from mountainous wilderness
areas to lowland deserts and plains and are
plentiful on both public and private lands. Every
national forest has elk, and herds are also present
on mountain ranges and desert areas administered
by the Bureau of Land Management.
are available through the leftover license process
(see Question 4 in the Frequently Asked Questions
Section).
Antlerless Elk Licenses
I n addition to reduced price cow/calf elk licenses
(see Question 9 in the Frequently Asked
Questions Section), antlerless elk licenses that
sell for full price are also available. These licenses
are listed as “Type 4 or Type 5” in the application
booklet. Draw odds for purchasing antlerless elk
licenses can be very favorable. Often times, hunters
can draw an antlerless elk license without the use
of any accumulated preference points by applying
for a Type 4 or Type 5 as a second choice.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 15
Big Game Hunting

16 Big Game Hunting

 Big Game Hunting

Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 17

Big Game Hunting

W yo m i n g G a m e & F i s h D e pa rt m e n t

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18 Big Game Hunting


W yoming hosts both mule deer and white-
tailed deer. Mule deer are Wyoming’s most
populous and sought-after deer. Mule deer are
found from high in the western mountains to the
low elevation creek bottoms of eastern Wyoming
and most habitats in between. Many hunters
choose where they hunt mule deer based on the
type of terrain and scenery they want to experience
in Wyoming.
W hite-tails are abundant in the Black Hills
of northeast Wyoming. Elsewhere they
are found primarily along the bottoms of lower
elevation creeks and rivers, in farm country of the
eastern third of the state and the Big Horn Basin
and Riverton area in north central Wyoming.
W yoming has seasons opening as early as
September 10 for rifle deer hunting and
doe/fawn seasons closing as late as December.
Obtaining a License
A ll nonresident deer licenses are initially offered
through the license draw. Region general
licenses are geographically divided into 15 regions
for nonresidents. With a region general license,
nonresidents can hunt in any general license area
within that region. Nonresident regions B, C, J,
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M and T are predominately private land and have
traditionally been easier to draw. However, since
these areas are mostly private land, hunters are
encouraged to line up access prior to applying for
a license.
A fter the initial draw, hunters can purchase
an “any white-tailed deer” license in specific
Big Game Hunting
hunt areas, if still available, in addition to the
license they may have already drawn. These “any
white-tailed deer” licenses are available in areas
that are predominately private land, so hunters
are encouraged to line up access before buying
the license. Hunters may also purchase up to four
doe/fawn deer licenses, only two of which can be
obtained through the draw. See Questions 9 and
10 in the Frequently Asked Questions Section for
more details.
Licenses for hunting mule deer and
white-tailed deer
G enerally, a hunter can use the same license
to hunt either species. Your specific license
limitation shown in the regulations will tell you
what deer is legal. For example, if the regulation
specifies “antlered deer,” that means you can
harvest only deer with visible antlers, either mule
deer or white-tailed deer. Some areas may specify
“antlered mule deer or any white-tailed deer.” That
means a mule deer must have antlers to be legally
harvested, but any white-tailed buck, doe or fawn,
would be legal. Always consult the regulations for
your hunt area prior to hunting.
This is the award-winning magazine of the
Game and Fish Department. Over the years it
has garnered more than 70 national awards.
Known for excellent writing and wonderful
photography, the four-color magazine is full
of Wyoming’s wildlife and wild places.
There are 12 issues per year. Cost is $12.95 for one
year or $35 for three years. Go online at http://
gf.state.wy.us or call (800)710-8345 to subscribe.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 19
Big Game Hunting

20 Big Game Hunting

 Big Game Hunting

Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 21

Big Game Hunting

22 Big Game Hunting


I f you want to hunt an antelope, you’ve come
to the right place. Wyoming has more antelope
than all the rest of the continent. Pronghorn
antelope, called antelope here, are found only in
western North America.
Obtaining a License
W yoming’s most saught after antelope hunting
is primarily found in south-central, central
and southwest Wyoming. Most hunt
areas in these parts of Wyoming
have ample public access on
lands managed by the BLM.
Public land hunt areas
are typically hard to
draw. Antelope are also
Big Game Hunting
abundant in northeast and east-central Wyoming,
although finding access can be difficult because the
area is largely private land.
A fter the license draw has been held, hunters
can purchase a second “any antelope” license
in specific hunt areas, if still available, in addition
to the “any antelope” license they may have already
drawn. “Any antelope” licenses still available
after the draw are typically found in areas that
are predominately private land, so hunters are
encouraged to line up access before buying the
license. Hunters may purchase up to four doe/
fawn antelope licenses, only two of which can be
obtained through the draw. See Questions 9 and
10 in the Frequently Asked Questions Section for
more details.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 23
 Care of antelope meat
S ome say antelope are poor tasting. “Too gamey”
or “too strong” are common laments. Others
contend antelope are the best wild meat ever.
Antelope probably have the most distinctive flavor
of any Wyoming big game. So the perspective
does vary by individual palette, and the diet of
Big Game Hunting
the animal (sagebrush vs. alfalfa, etc.). But there
is another factor that weighs heavier with antelope
than with other big game: field care. That’s because
antelope seasons are the earliest big game season
24 Big Game Hunting
in many parts of the state and they are generally
harvested at the lowest elevations. In warm
conditions, hunters are encouraged to practice the
same field care for antelope that they would for
birds – get the animal skinned and into coolers as
soon as possible. A cooler also protects the meat
from dirt and dust. In addition, the intestinal and
bladder contents of antelope are especially strong
and can taint the meat if released. So take extra
care when field dressing an antelope. If you follow
these simple field preparations, your chances of
getting a “gamey goat” are greatly reduced.
 Big Game Hunting

Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 25

Big Game Hunting

HUNTERS - Apply Online!

Use the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s
Online Application Service
to apply for your next limited-quota
deer, elk or antelope license
The process is quick, convenient and accurate
Wyoming Game & and allows you to pay by credit card.
Fish Department
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26 Big Game Hunting
T he Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep is one of
those animals that is on many hunter’s wish
list. To hunt one, you must be lucky in the drawing
and also in good physical condition. In Wyoming,
bighorn sheep inhabit several mountain ranges, but
the largest herds are found in the Shoshone National
Forest areas near Cody, Meeteetse and Dubois.
Obtaining a License
O btaining a bighorn sheep license is akin to
winning the lottery. New applicants with no
preference points will at least have a mathematical
chance to draw a license if they apply in areas with
larger license quotas since 25 percent of the quota
in those areas is issued through the random draw.
Drawing odds in the random draw are typically less
than 1 percent. See Question 8 in the Frequently
Asked Questions Section for more details. Once a
license is obtained, the successful applicant loses all
preference points and must wait five years before
applying again.
Big Game Hunting
Selecting an Area
H unting bighorn sheep is different from most
other big game hunting since most bighorn
sheep occupy remote areas within designated
wilderness areas. Hunting bighorn sheep is logistically
more difficult and physically demanding and typically
involves packing gear long distances into rugged
country, often at very high elevations. Because of this
and Wyoming’s wilderness guide law, nonresidents
who draw a bighorn sheep license should anticipate
hunting with a guide. Average hunter success is
typically around 75 percent. Bighorn sheep must be
checked and registered at a regional Game and Fish
office or at the Cheyenne office within 15 days of
harvest.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 27
 M oose are found in many of the mountain ranges
and river bottom areas throughout Wyoming,
but the greatest numbers are found in the Bridger-
drawing odds for a bull or any moose tag are much
steeper. Wyoming law allocates 80 percent of moose
licenses to residents, with the remaining 20 percent
Big Game Hunting

Teton National Forest region south of Jackson. issued to nonresidents. Of course with the random
Moose are also found in the Bighorn National Forest drawing there is always
in north central Wyoming and the Medicine Bow a mathematical chance
Forest in southeast Wyoming. Harvest success of 80 of drawing a license for
to 90 percent is typical. first time applicants.
Once a moose license is
Obtaining a License drawn the hunter must

O btaining a moose license can be very difficult or wait five years before
relatively easy depending on the hunt area and applying again.
the sex of the animal. Cow licenses in many areas can
be drawn with only a few preference points, while the

28 Big Game Hunting

 Big Game Hunting
M ountain goats are hunted in two locations in Wyoming: the Beartooth
Mountains north of Cody, and the Palisades area south of Jackson. As
with bighorn sheep, drawing a license requires more than a little bit of luck.
Once a permit is drawn, hunter success is very high, 100 percent in most years.
The Beartooth Mountains encompass some wilderness while the Palisades area
is non-wilderness, allowing do-it-yourself hunts for the nonresident. There are
no preference points for mountain goats since Wyoming law limits a hunter to
one mountain goat license in a lifetime. Mountain goats must be checked and
registered at a regional office or at the Cheyenne office within 15 days of harvest.

Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 29

 in Wyoming go to the WGFD website at http://
gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/grizzlymanagement/index.

B lack bears are hunted during the spring and

fall in Wyoming’s mountain ranges. Baiting
is legal outside designated wilderness and grizzly
asp.

areas in Wyoming in some hunt areas. Bait type

may be restricted in those areas open to baiting.
See the black bear regulations for further details
M ountain lions are hunted throughout
Trophy Game Hunting

on baiting or go to the WGFD website, Black

Wyoming. The season typically runs from
Bear Regulations (Chapter 3) at http://gf.state.
September through March, although some hunt
wy.us/admin/Regs/index.asp. Hunter harvest
areas run longer. There is no limit to the number
within individual hunt areas is regulated through a
of licenses sold, but a hunter can only harvest one
female mortality quota. Once the quota is reached,
mountain lion during any calendar year. However,
the season closes.
since the season overlaps calendar years, hunters
It is the hunter’s
need to remember to purchase a new license each
responsibility to
year. Dogs can be used during mountain lion
determine if an area
seasons. Hunter harvest within individual hunt
is still open prior to
areas is regulated through a mortality limit. If the
hunting by calling
limit is reached, the season closes. It is the hunter’s
the black bear area
responsibility to determine if an area is still open
mortality quota
prior to hunting by calling the mountain lion area
hotline at (800)
mortality quota hotline at (800) 637-0809. Once
264-1280. Once a
a mountain lion is harvested, the license holder
bear is harvested,
must present the unfrozen pelt and skull within 72
the license holder
hours to a local warden or biologist or at any of the
must present the
WGFD offices during normal business hours for
unfrozen pelt and skull within 72 hours to a local
inspection and the collection of two premolar
warden or biologist or at any of the WGFD offices
teeth.
during normal business hours for registration and
the collection of two premolar teeth.

G rizzly bears are also classified as trophy game

in Wyoming. However, grizzly bears are
currently listed as threatened under the Federal
Endangered Species Act. There are no hunting
seasons for grizzly bears in
Wyoming. For the
latest information
on grizzly bears

30 Trophy Game Hunting

W yoming’s reputation as a big game state
occasionally overshadows the exceptional
game bird and small game hunting we have to offer.
Abundant populations of native small game and
migratory birds and both native and introduced
upland birds are found in Wyoming.
Upland Game Birds
W yoming offers a great variety of upland game
bird hunting, but is best known for the
greater sage grouse. Wyoming is home to more sage
grouse than any other state. The season typically
runs one to two weeks in late September. Greater
sage grouse typically occupy the sagebrush basins
and plains throughout all but extreme eastern
Wyoming. Hunting is usually most productive in
locations near sagebrush draws and meadows. As
with all regulations, make sure you confirm the
dates before traveling.
A nother native grouse is the sharp-tailed grouse,
found mainly in the grasslands of the southeast
corner of the state and Sheridan and Johnson
counties in north central Wyoming. Wyoming does
offer some good sharp-tailed grouse hunting and
ample access is available in the southeast corner
of the state through the department’s AccessYes
Program. The better sharp-tailed hunting tends to
be in native grasslands and grasslands intermingled
with agricultural fields and Conservation Reserve
Program lands. The sharp-tailed grouse season
is closed west of the
Continental Divide where
a different subspecies,
the Columbian sharp-
tailed grouse, lives in the
shrubby foothills on the
west slope of the Sierra
Madre Range. Be sure
when hunting sage grouse in this area to distinguish
between the two species. East of the divide the
season is generally open from late September and
runs through the end of the year.
B lue grouse are found in all of Wyoming’s
mountains except the Black Hills of northeast
Wyoming and the Uintas in southwestern
Wyoming. There are no ruffed grouse in the Snowy
or Sierra Madre Ranges of southeast Wyoming and
only a few in the Black Hills. This species is mainly
found in Wyoming’s
western mountains. There
are no weapon restrictions
when hunting blue and
ruffed grouse and the
season traditionally runs
September 1 – November
30.
Upland & Migratory Game Birds, Small Game & Trapping
B oth chukar
Hungarian
partridge are found in Wyoming. The state’s
and
(gray)
principal chukar range is the Big Horn Basin of
northwest Wyoming. Hungarian or
gray partridge, are also found in the
Big Horn Basin. In addition, scattered
populations of these birds inhabit the
grasslands of the eastern slope of the
Big Horn Mountains. The partridge
season generally opens October 1 and
runs through December.
W ild pheasant populations inhabit several
of Wyoming’s agricultural regions. While
our populations will never rival the Dakotas,
major pheasant areas in
Wyoming include southeast
Wyoming (Platte County
near Glendo, Goshen and
eastern Laramie Counties),
the Lander/Riverton area,
irrigation projects within the Big Horn Basin and
the Sheridan area east of the Big Horn Mountains.
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 31
 The Game and Fish Department operates two is also available on scattered portions of the
pheasant production facilities and releases birds Medicine Bow National Forest between Casper
on public hunting areas, including several walk-in and Wheatland. Many areas are hunted with
areas. Pheasants harvested during the department’s general, over-the-counter licenses, but some areas
Springer Permit Pheasant hunt near Torrington have a limited
must be checked in prior to leaving the area. In a license quota.
typical year, around half of the pheasant harvest is These licenses are
released birds. Seasons vary by region. issued by drawing.
A separate license
W ild turkeys were originally introduced to
Wyoming in 1935 when New Mexico traded
nine hens and six toms to Wyoming in exchange
is required to hunt
turkeys during
the spring and fall
for sage-grouse. The initial release site was near
seasons. Hunters
Cottonwood Creek in western Platte County. The
can obtain general
majority of Wyoming turkeys are the Merriam’s
licenses either
subspecies, but Rio Grande turkeys have established
through the draw
in several cottonwood bottomlands as a result of
or at license selling agents throughout the season.
transplants from Oklahoma in cooperation with
the National Wild Turkey Federation. In some parts Mourning Doves
of the state, Merriam’s
and Rio Grande turkeys
have hybridized. Easterns F or many mid-latitude hunters, an annual
mourning dove hunt is the first opportunity to
pull the shotgun from its case and tune up shooting
are not known to exist in
Wyoming, but turkeys skills as the fall hunting season gets underway. Due
with apparent Eastern to its high average elevation (about 6,700 feet),
Wyoming often experiences early cold fronts and
Upland & Migratory Game Birds, Small Game & Trapping

influence have been

harvested in the Black frosts in late August or early September. When this
Hills. happens, the majority of our local doves head south,
sometimes before the

T urkey hunting, both spring and fall, has a

growing following in Wyoming. Turkey hunt
area 1, the Black Hills, is Wyoming’s best public
dove season even begins.
In milder years, one can
expect good to excellent
land hunt area. Situated close to turkey range dove hunting through
in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, some at least mid-September.
hunters will come to the Black Hills for a multi- The dove season begins
state spring Merriam’s hunt. Public land hunting September 1 and ends

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32 Upland & Migratory Game Birds, Small Game & Trapping

October 30. The better hunting is found in and
near irrigated agriculture in the lower elevations.
Most hunters post themselves along natural flight
lanes in the corner of a field, near a water source or
at the end of a shelterbelt. In Wyoming, a game bird
or a game bird/small game combination license, a
conservation stamp and a Federal HIP Permit for
Wyoming are required to hunt doves. See Question
15 in the Frequently Asked Questions Section for
additional license requirement details.
Sandhill Cranes
W yoming lies within the range of two
populations of sandhill cranes. During
migration, typically in early October, flocks from
the mid-continent population of lesser sandhill
cranes traverse the eastern fringe of the state over
the course of several days. Those cranes do not
stage in Wyoming as they do in Nebraska along
the North Platte River in the spring. Hunting is
largely opportunistic, and a few dozen birds are
harvested per year. In Wyoming, a game bird or
a game bird/small game combination license, a
conservation stamp and a Federal HIP Permit for
Wyoming are required to hunt sandhill cranes. See
Question 15 in the Frequently Asked Questions
Section for additional license requirement details.
I n addition, for those hunting the general sandhill
crane season in hunt area 7, a federal crane
permit is required. They are available in unlimited
number from the Game and Fish headquarters
in Cheyenne (refer to the early migratory bird
hunting regulations). The season runs from early
September through early November.
W yoming also offers a unique opportunity to
hunt greater sandhill cranes from the Rocky
Mountain population in the western portion
of the state. Harvest from this much smaller
population of cranes is tightly controlled and
only a small number of limited quota permits are
available. The application
period is the month of July.
There are six limited quota,
greater sandhill crane
hunt areas. The season in
the four areas within the
Pacific Flyway portion of
the state is September 1-8
and coincides with the early Canada goose season.
Seasons in the other hunt areas run from mid-
September through the end of the month.
Waterfowl
W yoming is situated on the western edge of
the Central Flyway and the eastern edge of
the Pacific Flyway. Though not generally known
as a waterfowl-hunting destination, Wyoming has
some very good and often underused waterfowl
hunting areas. Stock ponds and beaver ponds
throughout the state can offer fine, early season
jump shooting for local
and early migrating ducks.
Wetlands in higher elevations
such as the Laramie Plains mid-
to late-October produce a lot of
ducks, but often freeze by mid-
to late-October, so waterfowl
hunting can be spectacular, but short-lived. The
state’s major river corridors remain open much
later and typically hold migrating ducks and geese
into December and January. The major waterfowl
harvest areas of the state include the Big Horn and
Shoshone River corridors in the Big Horn Basin
Upland & Migratory Game Birds, Small Game & Trapping
and the lower North Platte River corridor through
Converse, Platte and Goshen counties. Other
rivers, such as the Green, Wind and Salt, also offer
good hunting, but
can freeze earlier in
the season. These
areas tend to be
more dependent
on the timing
and duration of
the migration. To
hunt waterfowl
in Wyoming, a Wyoming game bird or a game
bird/small game combination license, a Wyoming
conservation stamp, a Federal HIP Permit and
a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp are
required. See Question 15 in the Frequently Asked
Questions Section for license requirement details.
O
ne additional waterfowl hunting opportunity
bears mentioning. During the spring, up to
100,000 snow, blue and Ross’ geese (collectively
called light geese) stage in Goshen County. Smaller
numbers of light geese migrate throughout other
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011 33
 portions of eastern Wyoming. From late February
through early April, Wyoming offers a “light goose
conservation order” hunt. To participate in this
hunt, a person must possess the same license and
stamps (excluding federal duck stamp and HIP
permit) required to hunt waterfowl. In addition,
the person must obtain a light goose conservation
order special management permit which can be
picked up from the WGFD Cheyenne office or
the Laramie or Casper regional offices, or selected
license-selling agents in the area. See Question 15
in the Frequently Asked Questions Section for
additional license requirement details.
Small Game
C ottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares and
squirrels are classified as small game in
Wyoming. Among these, cottontail rabbits are the
most popular with hunters. We have three species
of cottontails (eastern, desert and mountain)
that are hunted, and one (pygmy rabbit) that is
protected. Cottontail populations are prone to
cyclic irruptions and crashes, even more so in arid
regions. During a high cycle, one biologist was
heard to comment: “The desert seems to move
Upland & Migratory Game Birds, Small Game & Trapping
at night,” meaning the rabbits were so abundant,
the ground literally appeared to move. On the
other hand, during a low cycle it can be tough to
find a rabbit or two in a hard day’s hunt. One or
another species of cottontail is found throughout
the entire state, but they are most abundant in
the sagebrush basins, grasslands and agricultural
regions. The protected pygmy rabbit inhabits old-
age sagebrush habitats in southwest Wyoming and
is distinguished from other cottontail species by
its much smaller size, proportionately shorter ears
and small tail. Wyoming also has two species of
jackrabbit, white-tailed
and black-tailed, which
are classified as predators
and can be taken at any
time.
W yoming’s major
mountain ranges
are home to relatively
sparse populations
of snowshoe hares.
34 Upland & Migratory Game Birds, Small Game & Trapping
Huntable populations of snowshoes can be
found in some locations where willow thickets
and aspen pockets are intermingled with dense
conifer forest. Pine or red squirrels are common
in Wyoming’s mountains but are rarely hunted
due to poor table quality. Fox squirrels are often
quite abundant within shelterbelts and stands of
cottonwood trees along creek and river bottoms,
especially within agricultural regions. They are
also found in the Black Hills and in urban areas
and parks throughout the state. Fox squirrels are
very good eating and popular in the east, but
they are an underused resource in Wyoming. The
range of Abert’s or tassel-eared squirrels extends
into a very small portion of southeast Wyoming.
Abert’s squirrel is protected and cannot be hunted
in Wyoming. A small game
license and conservation stamp
is required to hunt cottontails,
snowshoe hares and squirrels.
The season is traditionally
September 1 – March 1.
Trapping
A furbearer-trapping license
is required to trap or hunt furbearers in
Wyoming. Badger, beaver, bobcat, marten, mink,
muskrat and weasels are furbearers in Wyoming.
All leg-hold traps must be checked once every
72 hours. All snares and quick-kill body-grip
traps must be checked at least once each week.
Nonresidents may obtain a trapping license in
Wyoming only if their home state issues a license
to Wyoming residents to trap the same species
they intend to trap. No part of any game animal,
game bird or game fish can be used to bait traps.
Season dates vary by species. Bobcat seasons close
March 1. All bobcats taken in Wyoming must be
registered no later than 5 p.m. on March 11. Dogs
may be used to take bobcats during the bobcat-
trapping season. No license is required to trap
predatory animals in Wyoming.
C
heck the annual furbearer regulations for
specific rules and requirements on the WGFD
website, Furbearing Animal Hunting or Trapping
Seasons (Chapter 4) at http://gf.state.wy.us/
admin/Regs/index.asp
Wyoming Hunting Guide - 2011
35
Upland & Migratory Game Birds, Small Game & Trapping
 Reference Information
Bureau of Land Management
http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en.html
Wyoming State Office
P.O. Box 1828
5353 Yellowstone
Cheyenne, WY 82003
(307) 775-6256
Buffalo Field Office
1425 Fort Street
Buffalo, WY 82834
(307) 684-1100
Casper Field Office
2987 Prospector Drive
Casper, WY 82604
(307) 261-7600
Cody Field Office
P.O. Box 518
1002 Blackburn Ave.
Cody, WY 82414-0518
(307) 578-5900
Kemmerer Field Office
312 Highway 189 North
Kemmerer, WY 83101
(307) 828-4500
Lander Field Office
P.O. Box 589
1335 Main
Lander, WY 82520-0589
(307) 332-8400
Newcastle Field Office
1101 Washington Boulevard
Newcastle, WY 82701-2968
(307) 746-6600
Pinedale Field Office
P.O. Box 768
1625 West Pine Street
Pinedale, WY 82941
(307) 367-5300
Rawlins Field Office
P.O. Box 2407
1300 North Third
Rawlins, WY 82301
(307) 328-4200
Rock Springs Field Office
280 Highway 191 North
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 352-0256
36
Fossil Butte
P.O. Box 592
Worland Field Office
Kemmerer, WY 83101
P.O. Box 119
(307) 877-4455
101 South 23rd Street
Worland, WY 82401-0119
(307) 347-5100
National Recreation Areas
Bighorn Canyon
20 Hwy. 14A East
National Forest Lovell, WY 82431
http://www.fs.fed.us
(307) 548-2251
Bighorn National Forest
Flaming Gorge
2013 Eastside Second
P.O. Box 279
Sheridan, WY 82801
Manila, UT 84046
(307) 674-2600
(435) 784-3445
Black Hills National Forest
Wyoming State Trust Land
P.O. Box 680
Office of State Lands and Investments
Sundance, WY 82729
122 West 25th Street
(307) 283-1361
Herschler Building, 3rd Floor West
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Bridger-Teton National Forest
(307) 777-7331
P.O. Box 1888
http://slf-web.state.wy.us
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 739-5500 General Information
ORV Information
P.O. Box 220 http://wyotrails.state.wy.us
Pinedale, WY 82941
(307) 0367-4326
National Wildlife Refuges
http://www.fws.gov/refuges
Medicine Bow National Forest
2468 Jackson St.
National Elk Refuge
Laramie, WY 82070-6535 http://www.fws.gov/nationalelkrefuge/
(307) 745-2300
Duck Stamps Online
Shoshone National Forest http://www.duckstamp.com
808 Meadowlane Avenue
Cody, WY 82414
Bureau of Reclamation
(307) 527-6241 http://www.usbr.gov/gp/boat/
National Parks Wyoming Tourism
http://www.nps.gov
http://www.wyomingtourism.org
Grand Teton
Wyoming Chambers of Commerce
Moose, WY 83012-0170
http://www.wyomingchambers.com/lo-
(307) 739-3399
cal_chambers.html
Yellowstone
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone, WY 82190-0168
(307) 344-7381
National Monuments
Devils Tower
Box 10
Devils Tower, WY 82714-0010
(307) 467-5283
Conserving Wildlife - Serving People